by Eva Gordon
“Did you track your pack?” Slade asked.
“I did and followed their scent. All slaughtered. Lost and confused, I made it to an abandoned cabin in the Siberian forest.” Nik suddenly glanced up toward the stage and smiled. “Cricket looks beautiful.”
Slade followed his gaze. His heart stilled. Conversations blurred. Cricket stood on the stage, helping Mia set up for her cello concert. Abella. She wore a long emerald silk evening gown that hugged her soft curves. As she turned, he gawked. Holy shit. Backless. The silky material barely covered her ass, accentuating its perky roundness. “Indeed. Breathtaking.” If she bent over, everyone would see her alluring butt crack. His mood soured. Other males stared, their narrowed gaze in predatory interest. Not for food, but for fucking.
I should either cover her ass with my coat or beat the crap out of just about every male here.
The sound equipment screeched and everyone howled at once.
Mia fixed it immediately and stood center stage. “Sorry.”
Cricket removed her cupped hands from her ears, took the mike and quipped. “Now that we have your attention, Mia will play Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite for Solo Cello no. 3 in C major. After her solo, your choice of marinated lamb chops or steak tartare will be served, complements of Dominic’s master chef, Lior.”
Slade released a slow breath, pleased her backside was no longer the center of attention.
Oriana stared at Cricket with a soured expression. “Who knew plain Cricket would blossom into such an attractive woman?”
Nik laughed. “The ugly duckling becomes the swan.”
Slade narrowed his eyes at Oriana. “Hard to be a swan when you’re being pecked by angry hens.”
Oriana blushed then gazed at her sister. Dacia’s face contorted as if constipated with fury.
Nik patted Slade on his shoulder. “You my friend are quite fond of the swan. No matter her station.”
Fond doesn’t come close to how I feel about her. “Team Greywolf values each member as an equal.”
Dacia studied Cricket as if scrutinizing her for some imperfection.
Cricket met her sister’s glare and hastily stuck her tongue out at her. Immature, but for fuck’s sake, deliciously appropriate toward her equally immature half-sister. Slade laughed.
Dacia huffed, turned and smiled at Slade. “Naturally, you are defensive about a fellow team member.”
“As should you be for kin,” he snarked.
Oriana chuckled. “Cricket tends to suffer from little dog syndrome.”
Better than 24/7 bitch syndrome. “She saved my life.”
“I bet she used a gun to shoot the bad guys on the mission.”
Cricket gave him a quick glance, and he noted her moistened eyes. Don’t worry, Abella, I’m stuck with them but I’d rather date a goat than go out with either one. “I didn’t mean the mission, I meant after I suffered from the grief of losing my entire pack.”
“Oh, yes, I heard about your loss,” said Dacia. “I’m sorry.”
Mia’s concert ended and everyone applauded. Dominic drew her in and gave her a long passionate kiss. Lucky bastard. After Dominic released her, he announced the location of the donation envelopes and that the king just sent a check for a million dollars to their non-profit. Applause followed.
Dominic smiled. “Yes, quite generous. We have another surprise. For the highest donation by a single man…” He lifted a pair of keys. “You get a cabin getaway for you and your companion on my private island. Naturally, you’ll have all the privacy you desire since it stands a mile from my cabin. And for the highest donation by a single female, she’ll get the first dance with the bachelor of her choice and the cabin option as well. The rest of the lucky mated couples can donate after we let our unattached go first. ” He bowed. “Ladies, you may begin.”
Rylee stood, winked at beta Carson and made her way to the donation table shadowed by dozens of wealthy women. Oriana and Dacia elbowed each other to get there first.
Nik looked on as the other men took out their wallets. “I’m probably the poorest alpha, so I’ll take my chances with a modest donation.”
Dacia returned and sat. “Not fair. A live auction would have been better.”
Nik laughed. “Only if you can outbid everyone else, but lovely lady, I’d be happy to have the first dance.”
Dacia lifted her chin. “No offense, but I’ll wait until I see if my bid is high enough.”
Nik chuckled. “None taken.”
Slade wanted to warn Nik about them, but better he figured them out for himself. Odd, Nik had not had wine. “Nik, would you prefer vodka?”
“No, thank you. I’m good.”
“Gentlemen, it’s your turn,” announced Dominic.
Slade found Jesper before heading for the table. He’d hired him as his personal accountant. “I have some questions about my mineral rights.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Outside.”
Cricket struggled to ignore Slade who sat surrounded by a bevy of gorgeous available alphas, including her half-sisters. She should have told him about how they had mistreated her, but the humiliation of being the victim due to her runt status had kept her from spilling the beans. If he fell for one of them, she’d tell him how they tormented her. Not for revenge, but because they would not make very good mothers, especially to lower ranked weres.
Slade left with Jesper. Her curiosity piqued. What was that all about? She watched the exit until he returned a few minutes later. He threw her a wink before heading for the donation table.
Mia whispered in her ear, “Looks like he’s not taking your Dear John text seriously.”
“Nah. I bet he realized we had a brief fling and since we’re part of the team we’re cool.”
Mia smirked. “The way he checked you out means you are pretty much his.” She faked a growl with her tiny canines and lowered her voice. “Mine.”
“Yeah right.”
Platters were brought to each table and the feast began. In between bites, she stole a glance at Slade. He seemed engaged in conversation with Princess Wilhelmina, the king’s niece. Willa, as she preferred to be called, was filthy rich, royal and stunning with long golden blonde hair that reminded her of an old Hollywood glamour movie star. The worst part was Willa was kind and wanted the perfect father for her future pups. Pretty sure Slade would give up the LIA to keep her company. The only compensation for her misery was watching her sisters’ scowl in bitter disappointment. That’s right bitches, he’s not into you, not one iota.
Mia elbowed her. “Hey, don’t you like the lamb chops?”
“What makes you say that?”
“For the last five minutes, you’ve been poking them.”
“You know why.” She pointed her chin. “Princess Willa and Slade appear to being hitting it off.”
Mia furrowed her brow in Slade’s direction. “Looks more like polite conversation rather than a love match, at least from him.”
“She’s a princess, he’s a prince, whatever.” Cricket sliced the lamb and took a bite.
“What about Nik? He’s hot and from what I’ve heard he doesn’t believe in our status hierarchy.”
Cricket sipped her red wine. “I’m done with alpha men.”
“The way Slade stalks you with his glances, I don’t think he’s done with you.” Mia whispered, “Especially how you described your last night together.”
Dominic picked up Mia’s small delicate hand, kissed it, and then chastised. “Sweetheart, whispers can be heard by all.”
She blushed. “Oops. Everyone acts—well—so human, I forget.”
Cricket wiped her lips. When they last made love, it felt like they sealed a mating bond. The out of body trip to the land where Stallo had created their kind was something only true mates experienced. No. She’d been confused. Inebriated. That’s all.
People left their assigned seats and started mingling. Dominic stood. “I’ll have Carson see how soon I announce our top donators.”
Jesper said something to Rylee, and she raised a surprised brow. Rylee returned to her table and poured herself a glass of white wine.
Cricket just wanted to be back in her room, eating popcorn and watching some crybaby love story. “I’m going to leave soon.”
Mia begged. “No. Please stay.”
Rylee interrupted their conversation. “Actually, you should leave by midnight.”
Cricket gave Rylee a pointed stare. “Ma’am? Besides my carriage turning into a pumpkin, what happens at midnight?” Last night she dreamt she was a wolf version of Cinderella, only instead of leaving a slipper behind, it was her scent the prince, her prince, Slade, followed. I hate fairytales!
“I just talked to Jesper.”
“And?”
“Slade wants the floor at midnight to announce his chosen mate.”
Mia gave her a double take. “Who?”
“He didn’t say, except Prince Slade wants everyone in the same room.”
“It can’t be Princess Wilhelmina,” said Mia.
Rylee gazed over at where Slade stood. “I don’t know, it’s between her and Princess Vera.”
Cricket watched as Slade accepted a kiss from Vera before she made her way to the ladies’ lounge. Vera’s round ass swayed all the way, luring every male to watch her before she disappeared into the bathroom.
Mia gripped Cricket’s hand. “Sweetie, we’ll have fun dancing.”
She mustered her strength. If she left now, everyone would think, ah poor broken hearted little runt, thinking an alpha would make her his. She’d have to face him anyway. They had a meeting Monday. Better to see him choose today than trying not to react at the meeting once she caught a whiff of his female. “Sure, why not.”
Carson, Dominic’s beta approached him. “All the counts are in, sir.”
Dominic got up on the stage. “I will announce the highest bidding bachelor and then our bachelorette, who will have the first dance.” He opened an envelope. “Most impressive and quite generous.”
The banquet room stilled.
Dominic honed in on Slade. “Prince Slade was our highest bidder with a donation of three million dollars.”
He freakin’ beat out the king. Cricket flinched. “Huh?”
Everyone turned to congratulate him and others murmured about his wealth.
Rylee turned to her. “You do know he’s filthy rich?”
“And we let him go on a dangerous mission?”
Rylee narrowed her eyes at her. “Must I remind you, we’re werewolves not pussy wimps.”
“Right.” Still, her stomach roiled at the responsibility she had on his first mission and only with dumb luck bringing him back alive.
Slade came up, sniffed, bowed and then shook Dominic’s hand.
Dominic grinned. “You and your mate will love the solitude.”
“I’m counting on it,” said Slade. “Thanks.” He returned to his seat as the women around him fawned over him.
“And now for the highest female donation and first dance choice.” Dominic opened the second envelope. “Five million dollars from Princess Wilhelmina.”
Everyone gasped. Cricket shook her head. “Wow.”
Rylee whispered, “The king’s gift to his niece.”
Willa stood and walked to the stage. “The honor is mine.”
Dominic bowed. “We are most grateful.” He smiled. “Who do you choose as your first dance?”
“Prince Slade, of course.” Willa smiled at Slade. “I’m sorry to steal the limelight, but it does feel like our night.”
Everyone whooped and applauded.
Yep, five million dollars and a royal crown lets you pretty much buy Prince Slade. At least she’d make him happy. Not that it helped to lessen the pain of a sledgehammer slamming into her heart.
Dominic signaled Slade over. “Please escort the princess to the dance floor and let the dancing begin.”
Slade stood and shot Cricket a pained look.
Cricket fought her tears and nodded at him with a smile. Go on. She’s the perfect mate for you.
The curtain opened to the other tent, converting the dinner hall to a dance hall. Music played as Slade and Willa arm and arm sauntered to the dance floor.
Dominic called Rylee over. No doubt about business.
Mia took Cricket’s hand. “I’m sorry this night sucks.”
“Yep, you owe me one carton of chocolate chunk ice cream and a girls’ only movie night.”
“You’re on, girlfriend.”
As a slow romantic piece played, Oriana and Dacia came up to their table. Cricket sighed. “Hey sis’, kill any kittens today?”
Dacia leaned in. “Still playing the ‘runt to riches’ game?”
“Just the ‘elite ops team member talking to bitches’ game.” Cricket’s nails bit into her palms.
Oriana smirked. “You thought you had a chance with the alpha just as your slutty omega mother had with our father.”
Without forethought, Cricket punched her in the face. The smash of cartilage felt so good.
Oriana howled. “Bitch broke my nose.”
Dacia grabbed Cricket’s arms. “You’ll pay for this, runt.”
Mia stepped in and signaled her guards. “Excuse me, but if you don’t leave my best friend alone, I’ll ask you to leave.”
Dacia scowled. “You can’t ask us to leave.”
Dominic’s stern voice boomed. “You heard my wife, listen to her or spend a few days in my dungeon learning how to obey.”
Oriana held her nose up, but like her sister managed to bow.
Dacia mumbled. “Forgive us, Enforcer.”
Dominic growled and then turned to his beta. “Zach, treat her broken nose and then bring her back.”
“Yes, sir.”
Dominic narrowed his eyes at Mia. “Come, let’s dance before you cause a pack war.”
She smiled. “Yes, sir.”
The music changed to a faster rock beat. Good. No more close dancing. Cricket peered across the dance floor. Dominic and Mia danced in what looked like soft porn, and Slade danced with Princess Vera. So maybe she was the one? Nah, he belonged to Willa and just danced with Vera as a polite gesture.
“Care to dance?”
Cricket turned and took Nik’s offered arm. “I would love to.”
He led her on the floor, doing some sort of tango with her. Really off, considering the music was a mixture of country and rock and roll. Silly enough to distract her from Slade.
She laughed as he bent her down. “What are you doing?”
Nik drew her up and pressed her against his muscular chest. “Making him jealous.”
“What? Who?”
“Slade, of course.”
She glanced at Slade. He danced with yet another alpha, a tall buxom redhead. Yeah, he danced, but his eyes flamed at Cricket. If he had laser vision, she’d be fried. “As if I can’t dance when he’s about to announce his chosen mate.”
Nik whirled her around. “He wants his cupcake and eat it.”
She snickered. “It’s, you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
“That’s what you think.”
Slade appeared to teleport in front of them. “Nik, may I have this dance?”
Cricket glared at Slade. “Actually, I’m ready to go have another drink.”
Nik stepped away. “Best to leave before the grenade goes off.”
“I’ll join you.”
Slade locked his hand about her arm. “I said, we dance.”
The music changed to a slow dance. Just her luck. Slade pressed her against him. One hand claiming her ass. “What the hell was that text about?”
“Duh, what do you think? Aren’t you supposed to please the king and take a mate? Apparently tonight.”
He nibbled her ear, and his hot breath nearly sent her over the edge. “That’s the plan.”
“Oh, I see. You didn’t like the idea that a runt broke up first.”
He laughed. “After our time t
ogether, you know me better than that.”
She pressed her head on his shoulder. It felt so good. Our last dance. Go with it. Enjoy him while I can.
He stopped and chuckled. “Did you really break your sister’s nose?”
“You know?”
“I was about to end my dance with Willa to put your sister in her place, but I see you and Mia did that so much better.”
“Prince Slade, my donation was worth more than one slow dance, was it not?” said Princess Willa.
“I just need to…”
Cricket untangled herself from his hold. “No worries, I need to have a word with Rylee.” She frowned at Slade. “Our boss.”
Slade stiffened and for a second, she thought he’d insist on finishing the dance, but instead, he bowed to the king’s niece and danced with her.
She noticed Nik dancing close with a beta, and Rylee had taken the dance floor with Carson.
Cricket dashed toward the dessert table and bumped into Lunara their wolf shaman. “I’m so sorry.”
“How are you, Cricket?”
“I’m good.”
“Are you really?”
“Why, is it that obvious?”
“Yes. Pretty obvious, he’s claimed your soul.”
Cricket wasn’t into the spiritual mumbo jumbo, but Lunara helped many departed and living werewolves with issues. Maybe, honesty would be best. “I have a crush on Slade.”
“What you two have is more than a crush.”
“A forbidden bond, I suppose. I mean, really? Runt and a royal alpha.”
“Yes, Slade is an alpha’s alpha. True to his nature, he will get what he wants.”
One of the guests, an older male alpha interrupted their conversation. “Lunara, I’m so happy to have run across you. My nightmares are back. Can we talk?”
“Sure.” She turned to Cricket. “I’ll be back.”
Sinatra played. Even the bachelorettes waiting for Slade had partnered up and danced. She gazed at the clock. Five more minutes to midnight. Maybe Slade would announce he wouldn’t take a mate this year. He’d just joined the team, of course he’d wait.
She looked toward the dance room. Her throat tightened. Willa loosened his tie and then proceeded to ravish him.
Her heart wrenched. No more. She dashed out the tent, before she did the unthinkable; attack a royal alpha princess.